Wardrobe Building Blocks

What’s in Your Wardrobe?

I’m having such a lovely August! I hope you are as well! Yesterday I announced a new style program I am launching called Style Camp. Style Camp will be a month of style learning, style exploration, and making new friends. That’s why I call it camp! Style should be fun! (Now if you had a horrible camp experience, I’m sorry… Think of it as Style Spa instead?) Each week will be focused on one of four style topics that we will explore together within in a closed/private Facebook group which will enable you to ask questions, interact with the other learners, and explore your style in a safe and supportive environment. The blogging break (and subsequent post re-issues) is giving me time to work on the Style Camp Beta which begins September 1st.

If you have been reading the blog for any time, you know how much I dislike  Must-Have lists! Must-Haves are very personal. Your must have may not mine. Our lifestyles, personalities, values, and budgets aren’t the same; our Must-Haves won’t be either. That said, I am often asked what are some easy ways to spruce up a basic look. Or “How do I make this into an outfit?” Often I suggest adding a Style Staple. Our wardrobes are built of different kinds of clothes. No, not just different clothing items, or items with different levels of refinement, but clothes with different jobs.

Some pieces are Building Basics. These are often the pieces you find on many Must-Have lists. White Shirt, Blue Jeans, Neutral Tees, Ballet Flat. Many women have drawers and closets full of these Basics, and still don’t feel put together. That’s because an look comprised of only basics can equal Outfit, Generic, One Each. It’s how you wear them and combine them that make them you. To read more about Building Basics, click here!

Other items are Style Staples. These pieces take our Building Basics and tie them into a Look. They reflect your personality. That’s what Style is. Your personality expressed on the outside! Style Staples are often accessories, or variations on a Building Basic that make it different. Often a Style Staple will be a Basics in a color instead of a neutral! I will be re-issuing the 7 Style Staples posts starting next week, so stay tuned to see what you have, and what might add some spark to your wardrobe and your outfits. If next week is too long to wait… Click here!

Last, but certainly not least are Wardrobe Wonders. These WOW! pieces do a lot of talking. The Wonder may have a bold pattern, intricate detailing, unusual construction, or lots of sparkle. Whatever the wow factor, you can’t overlook a Wardrobe Wonder. It does not have to be expensive. Some people own no Wardrobe Wonders, because they are are uncomfortable drawing attention to themselves. That’s okay! You don’t have to wear a hat, or a purple checked shirt, or a statement necklace, or a floral blazer, or a red shoe… (The list goes on and on.) unless it works for you!

One summer’s Wardrobe Wonder was a gigantic bright pink fake flower to put a smile on my face (and everyone else’s) when I wore it. Is it tasteful? No. Is it elegant? No. Is it cheerful? Heck, yeah! And some days that’s just the ticket. One person’s Wardrobe Wonder is another’s Style Staple. It depends on how adventurous a dresser you are. For more about what makes a wardrobe item a Wonder, click here.

When I look into a client’s wardrobe to see what is and what’s not working, I often find he or she is long on Building Basics, and short on Style Staples or (if personality warrants) Wardrobe Wonders. I think everyone can own at least one or two Wonders for days that need a confidence boost. Some clients have a closet full of Wonders, and not enough Building Basics to tie them together… It’s all about the balance!

So how about you? What do you think about Style Camp? Wardrobe-wise, when you open your closet, what predominates? Building Basics? Style Staples? Or WardrObe Wonders? Does the mix seem right, or do you struggle to create outfits? Is it a daily thing? Or more for special occasions? Do let me know in the comments below! I love to hear from you…

Stylishly yours,